Chapter 269 – Twist the Tree (10)

Why would I be your partner?
I already have someone.

As it has become impossible to argue with my actions through the status window, the only thing the world trees can do to stop me is the use of force.

[How can this be…?]

I merely stated the obvious, but the reaction I received was devastating.
The leaves drooped, and the branches tilted towards the ground, stopping just short of touching it.

[Then, why did you do that to me that day?]
“Did I? You’re the one who raped me.”

If it’s my fault for being bound with roots and forcibly grafted, then I have no confidence in living in this world any longer.

[You bewitched me!]

Tears and a strange liquid spilled out.
Droplets of water from the leaves flew and landed on my cheeks.

[Sob, ugh, sniff… I’ve already chosen a name for our child.]

There’s no use in appealing to emotions.

What would happen if I dragged a tree over and introduced it to Se-Young as my next girlfriend? It would seem that there would be no saving face even if I resorted to having a relationship with a tree.

– Tuk-tuk.

At that moment, Marronnier tapped me on the shoulder.

“What on earth is going on?”
“Well, you see…”

I explained to Marronnier the events that had occurred with the World Tree of Healing.

The situation was strikingly similar to what Marronnier had experienced. There was a time when my temperament escalated by two levels, and I could no longer hold it in, eventually exploding. During that episode, Marronnier’s magic was also rendered ineffective, causing her to be attacked.

If I were to put myself in Marronnier’s shoes, it would be like this:

“It’s like saying I’m your boyfriend.”

I slept with you, so I’ll take responsibility. That’s not the case here, though. I even forgave you. To be completely honest, I’ve reaped numerous benefits from the situation. There’s no need to think about responsibility, yet it keeps clinging to me.

“… Yeah.”

Marronnier blinked her eyes and cautiously nodded.

“So that’s how it was.”

Her gaze shifted towards the World Tree of Healing this time.
The World Tree of Healing, still dispiritedly swaying its branches, continued to protest for understanding of its feelings.

“…Why are you doing this?”

At Marronnier’s innocent question, the World Tree of Healing shuddered.

[Blanche, but I… I am!]
“The prince on a white horse? I know it was him. But this.”

A sly smile. Marronnier looking at me.
Is she trying to bring up past events? Slightly hesitant words escaped her lips.

“…But, it seems like you two are well-matched.”
“Hey, that’s not it.”
“Every pot has its lid, after all.”

In this particular incident, I may not know about other situations, but I am undoubtedly the victim.
When it comes to repaying a wrong with another wrong, there isn’t much to say in defense.

Marronier smirked as I found myself flustered. It seemed as though he enjoyed my reaction a bit.
I was being serious, but he teased me nonetheless.

“…Anyway, Tree. I understand how you feel, but it’s impossible to accept this person as a husband.”
[Why?]
“You may not know since you haven’t been the World Tree for long. But unless someone is a recognized talent and a potential husband candidate, they can’t be accepted as a husband.”

Marronier appeared to think he had explained it quite logically, as he smiled at me.
The rosy blush and fresh smile on his face seemed to beg for a gentle pat on the head.
But I had no choice but to harden my expression.

“Right? Lee Si-heon.”
“……,”
“Why does your face look like that?”

Husband candidate.
That’s me.

“…Uh, uh. It’s nothing. That’s right. It can’t be helped. Did you hear?”

As I stammered out my response, he tilted his head, seemingly finding it odd.
I had to maintain my composure, but the suddenness of it all made me let out an involuntary laugh.

It must remain unknown that I am a husband candidate.
For some reason, the World Tree of Healing is unaware that I am a potential husband.
If I could just get through this time and never visit this place again, it would have been enough.

[Then, I won’t be the World Tree.]

A resolute statement from the World Tree of Healing.
Both Marronnier and I were left with our mouths agape.

[A Moksaeng without a husband is not even a Moksaeng. I’d rather become a rotten old tree and spend my whole life waiting for a husband.]

“Th-Three, World Tree…?”

Marronnier, pinching my thigh, stares at me in confusion. The bewildered expression on her face is quite a sight.
I shook my head frantically at her questioning gaze, wondering what on earth I had done to make the World Tree so frustrated.

“I didn’t do anything. We just had a bit of conversation, and then I got caught.”
“Caught, caught… Don’t say such absurd things. And that’s not even the issue!”

[That’s right. I didn’t do anything! You… if you weren’t here…]

The voice of the World Tree of Healing resounded powerfully.

[I’ve spent my entire life being exploited. I can’t even count how many years I’ve endured as my bark was stripped away and my leaves were stolen… You’re the one who rescued me from there.]
“Ah, well-“
[Lo, look now. There are leaves, aren’t there? And look at my garments. Aren’t they lovely? I wore them, wondering which ones you would like, Seobang-nim. I, I’ve expanded my roots significantly while waiting for you alone. I’ve become much more beautiful than before.]

The slender roots that had emerged from the ground now stealthily approached me once more.

[I’ve improved, haven’t I?]

Marronnier tightly grasped my shoulder.

[…Was it coercion?]

From the perspective of the World Tree of Healing, it’s not strange to feel that this is salvation. My first encounter with this being was in Flower’s basement. I don’t know how they had exploited the World Tree, but recalling the tortured trunk I had seen long ago, it couldn’t have been for any benevolent purpose.

But still, even so.

Isn’t it somewhat strange, attacking me that day and pretending to be a wife?
The circumstances are lamentable. Even I was disconcerted by the persuasive power that filled the voice.

“Calm down a bit.”

It might be possible if we’d had an intimate conversation between us.
Even when considering my relationships with other people, haven’t we had lengthy encounters, building trust?
Compared to others, even my connections have been both brief and profound.

【 The World Tree of Purity nods in satisfaction. 】

Please, discern where it’s appropriate to intervene.

“I helped you because it was the sensible thing to do. I had no idea how much it meant to you.”

However, it’s different to impulsively seize and guide someone like this, establish a connection, and then impose it upon them.
It’s peculiar how emotions run so deep in this situation.
It’s not something I would say to someone who claims to care for me, but having lived confined in a basement with limited education – isn’t this love far too intense?

This was the path that I and others had traversed.
Observe me. Engaging in relationships without considering the consequences, only for calamity to strike in the future.
How much commotion I’ve caused, trying to prevent it, sitting here.

Ignoring all of it.
Even if The World Tree of Healing were not a tree, but a beauty perfectly matching my ideal type, I would still want to offer advice.

[No.]

Healing declared.

[I dislike others.]

With a mournful voice, firmly.

Maronnier pulled at my arm, seemingly empathizing with the emotionally-heightened girl. She wore a face that halfway understood.
You shouldn’t do that either.

“Even so, it can’t be done. You are The World Tree. One that heals, too.”
[Is the problem that our races are different? If that’s the case, I can…]
“No, that’s not it.”

It meant that there were limits to how far I could extend my arm.
It wasn’t about self-satisfaction; truly, no matter how much I racked my brain, there was no solution.

“You have many people to save in the future. You have a role as the World Tree. You can’t just quit because you want to. You’re like a king in this world. It won’t function without you.”
[But…]
“On the other hand, what am I?”

Though I can’t say it out loud,
I am a being that will eventually have to oppose the World Tree.
What fate would befall the World Tree of Healing, which must live rooted in the earth, if it were to show even the slightest bit of friendliness towards me?
It wouldn’t be surprising if it were immediately burned at the stake.
What would happen if rumors circulated that the king conspired with rebels to eliminate his ministers and influential people?

I still don’t know why she likes me.

However, I’ve been caught up in this inexplicable relationship. I can’t push her away.

“But you still have to protect your own life, right?”

The number of times I’ve met the World Tree of Healing amounts to, at most, twice.
In terms of time, it’s been less than two hours.

In such a brief moment, experiencing fate and love, there are matters that must be turned around now.

[…] Ultimately, it’s because you’re a tree.

That’s how it will be.

Even if societal conditions don’t align, if you were a human, I could somehow manage to take care of you. A tree cannot do that. If it’s the World Tree of Healing, tracking you wouldn’t be difficult either. Yet, it’s unclear what to say when you admit you like me.

I scratched my cheek. The World Tree of Healing stands sorrowfully silent, shedding tears. I cautiously bring up the subject, urging it to raise its spirits.

“What do you propose instead? I’m incredibly busy right now.”
[…]
“Once everything is over, when it wouldn’t be strange to take you out of here, I’ll come and find you.”

There are many challenges ahead.

I, too, plan to concentrate on my work, so as not to lose my sanity. However, I may unintentionally cause harm to someone, and due to me, many people could perish.

Fortunately, there is a chance that the civilian I am going to kill may be saved by the World Tree of Healing.
This one is in the right place.

On the other hand, it’s not as if the World Tree of Healing has no possibility of healing my enemies either.
I will handle that myself.

[…]

The branches of the World Tree of Healing were extraordinary.

[…Will you do it for me?]
“Uh, uh, uh. Shiba, don’t worry about that.”

What difference would adding one more tree make when there is already the World Tree of Purity in the yard?

“But after it’s all over. Or when I have the opportunity to find you.”

Gradually, the branches began to regain vitality.
The leaves, which had been trembling precariously like a last leaf just a moment ago, spun around brightly.

[Really, truly?]
“Yes.”
[…Can I trust you?]
“You’ll have to wait a bit longer, though.”
[I can wait even if I turn to stone.]
“Alright… What are you going to do with the Marronnier challenge?”

At my words, Marronnier was startled and her shoulders trembled.

Then, gazing at the World Tree, it rustled its branches with a voice filled with happiness beyond measure.

[Unconditionally, pass, pass!]

My legs weakened and I slumped to the ground.
That’s enough.
I had thought that once my work was done, I would spend the rest of my life playing, eating, and enjoying my holidays. But as the number of trees continued to grow, it seemed as though there was a chance I could be swayed by them.

Marronnier, who had been watching me, murmured at my side.

“…Are you serious?”
“What?”
“That… Dating the World Tree….”

I whispered into Marronnier’s ear so the World Tree wouldn’t hear.

“It’s a long way off. I just said it.”
“What will you really do when that time comes? I don’t know what to do….”
“Then there’s nothing that can be done.”
“…Did you just blurt it out without thinking about the consequences?!”

An exasperated Marronnier slapped me on the shoulder.
At that moment, the World Tree’s roots tugged at Marronnier’s clothes.

[Blanche!]

“Why!”
[Let’s get along well as equal wives.]
“Equal, equal wives? What are you talking about…?”
[You said you love him, right?]

Upon reflection,
That was the case.

I had come here to put on such a performance.
Marronnier, who had stopped mid-motion, looked at me and clenched her teeth.

“That, that, that’s not it!!”

Squawk- Marronnier screamed.

Her face gradually flushed.